Cricket Australia will allow its players to complete their IPL 2026 commitments without interruption from the three-match ODI series in Pakistan scheduled for late May and early June. A CA spokesperson confirmed to Cricbuzz that Australian players “will still be in the IPL and will complete their commitments.” This decision comes despite the Pakistan series overlapping with the business end of IPL 2026, which concludes on May 31.
ODI Series Dates Clash With IPL Playoffs
The Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Australia jointly announced a three-match ODI series scheduled for May 30, June 2 and June 4. Australian players are due to arrive in Islamabad on May 23. However, this timeline clearly overlaps with the IPL playoffs and final, creating a scheduling conflict.
The league phase of IPL 2026 concludes on May 24. Consequently, six of the 10 teams will be eliminated by then. Nevertheless, players from the four playoff-qualifying teams must stay on for knockout matches and the final on May 31.
Dozen Australians Currently in IPL 2026
Around 12 Australian players are currently featuring in IPL 2026, including ODI captain Pat Cummins and vice-captain Mitchell Marsh. Other prominent Australians include:
- Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
- Xavier Bartlett (Punjab Kings)
- Cooper Connolly (Punjab Kings)
- Tim David (RCB)
- Marcus Stoinis (Punjab Kings)
- Josh Inglis (LSG)
- Cameron Green (KKR)
- Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)
- Matthew Short (CSK)
Top Teams Confirm Full Player Availability
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings are currently the top two teams in the points table. Officials from both franchises confirmed that all their players, including Australians, will honor their contracts fully. They will not leave midway through the season.
Squad Selection Strategy
Cricket Australia has not yet announced the squad for the Pakistan series. There is a strong possibility that selectors will choose players not involved in IPL playoffs. This strategy would avoid conflicts between franchise commitments and international duties.
First Bilateral ODI Series Since 2022
The upcoming series marks Australia’s first bilateral ODI tour to Pakistan since March-April 2022. Australia visited Pakistan earlier this year in January-February for a three-match T20I series. Pakistan won that series 3-0 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
